Millions of devotees joined the annual procession of the Jesus Nazarene that lasted nearly 21 hours, six hours longer than last year.

Millions of devotees participate in 2025 Traslacion of Jesus Nazareno

Authorities attributed the delay to the damaged ropes of the carriage caused by intense pulling of devotees near San Sebastian Church.

Police officers helped carry the andas from then on and intervened multiple times to prevent people from climbing onto the carriage before it reached Plaza Miranda. 

Stories of Faith: Filipino personalities and their devotion to Jesus Nazareno

The crowd caused heavy congestion along Quezon Boulevard, where emergency rescue teams assisted devotees struggling to breathe as they crossed road barriers.

Despite these challenges, Police Brigadier General Ponce Peñones Jr., deputy director for operations of the National Capital Region Police Office, said the event was “generally peaceful.”

“Wala tayong reported na any untoward incident except for minor incident ‘yung mga medical emergency na kung saan may nahihimatay. May mga nasugatan sa paa,” PBGen. Peñones said.

Walking in thanks: Devotees express faith during Traslacion 2025

The image of the Jesus Nazarene reached the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo, Manila, at around 1:26 a.m. early Friday.

After the procession, Edong Sevilla, 76, said his arthritis-stricken body felt revitalized.

“Sumigla ang katawan ko at nakaraos na naman ako ng ilang taon… kasi parang masama na rin ang pakiramdam ko, nahihingal-hingal ako. Awa ng Diyos naman nawawala-wala rin,” Sevilla said.

He has been a devotee for five decades and an Hijos del Nazareno since 2001.

Meanwhile, Maria Cadampong attended the procession donning a shirt that bore the image of her late husband.

“Actually ang una talagang namamanata rito ‘yung husband ko, nag-pass-away last year, since binata po siya. Ngayon tinutuloy lang namin mag-iina, ito anak ko at ito. Bago kami pumasan pumupunta kami sa libingan niya,” she said.

A NATIONWIDE FEAST

Rdo. P. Rufino Sescon Jr., rector and parish priest of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, urged those unable to join in Manila to still celebrate the feast of Jesus Nazarene in their respective parishes.

“Saan man panig ng daidig, sama-sama tayo ngayon, pararangalan natin ang Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno. Mas mabuti ang pagsunod kaysa paghahandog sa mga umaasa kay Jesus dahil sa diwa ng ating pagdedebosyon ay pagsunod,” Sescon said.

In his homily during the final Mass before the image was returned to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of the Jesus Nazarene, Sescon reminded devotees to continue their faith beyond the procession.

“Wag natin kakaligtaan ang banal na misa sapagkat sa banal na misa, doon natin sinasariwa ang pag-aalay ni Jesus Nazareno,” he said.